Fruit
Earth
Acid
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Tannins
This domaine is a favorite of ours because it flies just under the radar – it hides in plain sight - not as famous as some other growers, but their collection of vineyards such as Clos de Beze, Clos de la Roche, and Lavaux St. Jacques is as serious as it gets, and with many older vine parcels in each. Gérard took over from his father Jean, and his daughter Marion now works alongside him and will take over the winery in a few years. The wines are soulful and can be describe as “Burgundy lover’s Burgundy” with delicate color and fruit that intermingles with the sense of earth in each sip. Harvest is done by hand, and grapes are fermented on indigenous yeasts in tank and then aged for some 18 months in mostly older French oak barrels.
Chambertin Clos de Bèze has been known for the excellence of its grapes since the 7th century, and is without question one of Burgundy’s most iconic vineyards, and deservedly so. Raphet’s vines are located in the heart of this grand cru vineyard, running from the bottom of the slope (and touching Chapelle-Chambertin) to the very top of the slope; a perfect cross-section of this great terroir. Vines are between 40 and 70 years old. Aromas of baking spices, black berries, tobacco and smoke. The palate shows deep red to black fruit, truffly earth, and has an alluring texture that is both firm, and completely curved without edges.